Sky News has reportedly issued an apology following widespread criticism over video footage showing one of its presenters picking items from a suitcase at MH17 crash site.

According to the Guardian, in a live broadcast on Sunday afternoon, Sky News presenter Colin Brazier was shown picking items - including a set of keys and toothbrush - out of the opened luggage before saying: "We shouldn't really be doing this, I suppose."

The footage has reportedly generated a lot of furore and the reporter's actions have been condemned by many.

Joe Watson, a media professor, described Brazier's actions as a 'horrible moment for journalism'.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Sky News apologized on behalf of the channel saying that today whilst presenting from the site of the MH17 air crash Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims' bags. Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on air.

The spokeswoman added that both Colin and Sky News apologise profusely for any offence caused.